Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has died aged 66. His daughter, Kira Hassan, confirmed his death in an emotional Instagram Live video on Sunday, saying, "My daddy is dead. I can't believe it."
The development was also announced by entertainment TV platform Emiralty Africa, which posted, "Ogogo is dead!!! We feel sad to announce the death of star filmmaker, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan Ogogo."
A career that defined Yoruba cinema
Hassan, who had been suffering from cancer, was one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba-language cinema. Before finding fame on screen, he worked as a mechanic for about 13 years at the Ogun State Water Corporation. He combined that career with acting starting in 1981, when he began appearing in films, and switched to full-time acting in 1994.
Over his career, Hassan won numerous awards and earned critical acclaim for his role in the movie 'Anikulapo', where he played the Alaafin of Oyo - the most revered king in Yorubaland.
Family's private battle
Kira Hassan had spoken publicly about challenges surrounding her father's illness and accused some individuals of attempting to profit from the family's difficult situation. During an emotional TikTok Live session on Saturday, she alleged that some people had approached the family with financial demands while offering assistance with the actor's treatment.
"My father is a good father. Some people are even trying to make money with us in this whole situation. Fear God. This one will come and bring solution, N800k, N5m, 11,000 dollars, N18,000 dollars. Do you want to make us broke? We are not billionaires," she said.
Kira explained that the family was focused on getting appropriate medical care for Ogogo and could not afford the financial demands allegedly being placed before them. She also disclosed that the situation was taking a toll on her personally. "I want to check my BP, I am not okay too," she said.
The actor's illness had also deeply affected members of his family, including his brother, whom Kira described as her "big daddy". According to her, members of the family regularly used a group chat to discuss Ogogo's condition, where she recently saw a message indicating the extent of her uncle's fear over the actor's health. "That was the video my big daddy saw and on the group chat, where we always have our" [The quote is cut off in the source material.]